Stephanie & Scott // Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Wedding // Sonoma, California
What a total Michaela-Joy-Photography couple these two are.
Cassy (of Cassy Rose Events) absolutely knew what she was doing when she referred us to her now sister-in-law Stephanie. We had the greatest time getting to know Stephanie and Scott, from capturing their engagement session to photographing their badass wedding day.
Simply looking at these two, you wouldn’t expect that they were the rad kind of nerdy, outgoing, life-loving, and quirky couple they are. Not to give everything away, but the two walked down the aisle to the Jurassic Park theme song––although she admitted she wanted to play Black Sabbath. Stephanie even whipped out a toy lightsaber when getting ready.
We adore these two because they remind us of ourselves. Our sweet, weird selves. We love to dress up, go wine tasting, enjoy a fancy dinner out on the town, and then come home and binge-watch Star Wars or talk about music and listen to the occasional heavy-metal jam. (I learned at this wedding that black metal is my metal of choice, while Tim likes heavy metal. Important difference). Long-story-short, we adored working with Stephanie and Scott. They are kind and quirky and just a joy to be around.
Now back to your regularly scheduled wedding content. Scott and Stephanie said their vows in beautiful Sonoma at the Fairmont Mission Inn at the Sonoma Country Club. The Fairmont is a simply perfect Mission-style wine country estate––California soul with a touch of classic European flair. We adored photographing the two among all of the brick and ivy of the inn.
The couple got ready in a big, gorgeous room of the inn with all their people. We were able to spend a quiet moment with them as they had their first look. The first look is always our favorite moment of any wedding day. How could it not be? I think that, selfishly, we love to spend alone time with our couples to have the opportunity to see their emotions for one other firsthand. It’s just damn special.
After we made our way to the ceremony site, we had some fun grabbing photos with the wedding party. The day ended up not being the typical hundred-degree-June Saturday of Northern California––it was actually quite temperate and lovely. A well-known photographer’s secret of Sonoma is that the light is just so magical no matter what time of year. There’s just something in the air.
A quick aside for the cutest moment of the day––Cassy’s son was the ring bearer for the ceremony. He was apparently informed that if he walked the ring down the aisle successfully, he would receive a coveted lollipop for his services. Boy, did he do his job well, walking down the aisle grinning ear-to-ear as he managed to hang on to the rings. And as anticipated, he joyously welcomed his payment of one red lollipop. So. Cute. Kids really are a fun aspect of weddings. For better or for worse, you never know what they’re going to do, which makes for some truly memorable wedding days.
Their ceremony was deeply heartfelt and there were so many happy tears. Scott cried a lot, which surprised us in the best way. We didn’t realize that he would be that sort of groom until he was––it was incredible. Stephanie laughed and giggled through the whole thing. The girl has such an infectiously-amazing laugh.
The cocktail hour was simply lovely. It was held on the patio next to the fountain and everyone was dressed very wine-country-chic. Fast-forward to dinner on the lawn––Stephanie’s dad had so many wonderful things to say, alongside friends of the couple and Scott’s brother. Laughs resounded all around.
When the time came for sunset photos (another favorite time of ours) we strolled around the property, and Tim found this amazing ivy wall nook. It was one of those a-ha moments when you know an image is going to be a great one.
The reception was just a joy. Stephanie and her dad did their dance to Jimi Hendrix which was played by a full live band––if you’re familiar with Jimi Hendrix, he’s not easy to cover! There were City Garden Doughnuts for snacking and gorgeous floral design all around. The styling of this wedding was so welcoming and elegant, without being flashy and over the top.
We loved this wedding––a lot. We are so happy for you, Stephanie and Scott!
Thank you to our fellow creatives!
Planning + Design // Cassy Rose Events // @cassyroseeventsVenue/Cater/Bar // Sonoma Golf Club // @fairmontsonoma; @sonomagolfclubRentals // Encore Event Rentals // @encoreeventrentalsFloral Design // Nightshade Floral Design // @nightshadefloralMusic & Sound // Wine Country Entertainment // @winecountryentertainmentLighting Creative // Creative Lighting Design // @creativelightingdesignBeauty // Sherrie Long Beauty // @sherrielongDessert // City Garden Doughnuts // @citygardendoughnutsPaper Goods // JK Designs // @jkdesigncalPhotography // Michaela Joy Photography // @michaelajoyphotography